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Historical Society Resolution to move County Seat to be considered on Otter Tail County’s 150th Anniversary

Join the celebration as Otter Tail County commemorates the first board of commissioners meeting held 150 years ago Wednesday, Sept. 12 in historic Old Town Clitherall. The Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners will hold a public meeting near the site of the first county board meeting.

The official board meeting will be held at Justice Two, 20740 Old Town Trail, in Old Town Clitherall.

The board meeting is special because the meeting date and location was changed to accommodate the historical location and the exact date of the 150th anniversary. The agenda for the meeting includes an 11:30 a.m. presentation of commemorative 150th anniversary mugs to commissioners. Board Chair Wayne Johnson will read an official resolution proclaiming Otter Tail County’s 150 years.

The public is encouraged to attend a mock commissioners meeting facilitated by Otter Tail County Historical Society Executive Director Chris Schuelke. According to Schuelke, the fun, historically-based presentation “will engage Commissioners and explore moving the county seat.” The staged meeting will occur at 1 p.m. in the tent near Justice Two in Clitherall. County commissioners debate the location of the county seat and learn more about the last 150 years in Otter Tail County.

The public is invited to stay for coffee and cookies.

The sesquicentennial festivities continue through the weekend with “Otter Tales: The Musical” performing stories from around the entire county. This one-of-a-kind production will move from site to site with stories, song and dance. The family-friendly experience is free will be performed in four different communities (Battle Lake, Perham, Pelican Rapids, and Parkers Prairie).